Tote box



Jan. 10, 1933. H. 1.. KENNEDY TOTE BOX Filed Jan. 30, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet l -J L----- ----A 1 INVENTOR 214 P ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1933. KENNEDY 1,893,747

TOTE BOX Filed Jan. 30, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Z914 0' 2 7a Z4 ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1933.

H. L. KENNEDY TOTE BOX Filed Jan. 30, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY3 Jan. 10, 1933. H. KENNEDY TOTE BOX Filed Jan. 50, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 lNvENToofg ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFECE HOWARD L. KENNEDY, on VAN WE'RT, OHIO, ASSIGNOB TO KENNEDY MANUFAOTURING COMPANY, or VAN VVERT, 01-110, A CORPORATION on INDIANA TOTE BOX Application filed January 30, 1930. Serial No. 424,562.

This invention relates to carrying cases, and particularly to an improved form of sheet metal carrying cases having an extendible tray.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a sheet metal carrying case havin an extendible tray, with anew, Simple an r etiicient means for supporting the extendible tray.

Another object is to provide a sheet metal carrying case having a storage space therein, with an extendible tray which in normal position covers the storage space, the tray being provided with new and simple means for movably connecting the same to the box portion of the case.

Another object is to provide a sheet metal carrying case having an extendible tray normally covering a storage space therein, with simple means connecting the tray thereto, which means extends across the bottom of the tray to rigidly and positively support the tray in its extended position.

A further object is to provide a sheet metal carrying case which can be easily and economically manufactured.

A further object is to provide a tray for a sheet metal carrying case having new and improved means for providing adjustable compartments therein.

With the above and other object-s in view, the present invention may be said to comprise the carrying case, as illustrated in' the accompanying drawings hereinafter described and particularly set forth in the appended claims, together with such variations and modifications thereof as will be apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention appertains.

In the drawings which illustrate suitable embodiments of the present invention:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of one form of carrying case to which the invention is applicable, the cover of the case being opened and the tray being in extended position.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the case shown in Fig. 1. r

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse section of he case taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the case taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a section similar to Fig. 4, showing the tray in normal position and showing thecover in closed position.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the rod means for connecting the tray to the box portion of the case.

Fig. 7 is an end section of the box portion of the case showing a modified means for supporting the tray within the box portion.

Fig. 8 is a transverse section of a different type of carrying case embodying a pair of extendible trays. I

Fig. 9 is an end section of the case taken on the line 99 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the carrying case showing the trays in non-extended position and the covers in closed position.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a tote box embodying the present invention. I

Fig. 12 is an end view of the box shown in Fig. 11, the trays being in extended position.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 showing the trays in closed position, a portion of the end wall being broken away to more clearly show the construction of the same.

Fig. 14 is a partial longitudinal section taken on the line 141ei of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of one of the tray compartments.

Fig. 16 is a transverse section taken through a tray to show the compartment therein.

This invention contemplates generally sheet metal carrying cases which may be advantageously employed as tackle boxes for fishermen and as tool kits for mechanics and artisans, but which may obviously be employed for many other purposes.

Each of the cases to which this invention is applicable, has a tray or trays which, when in closed position, are spaced from the bottom of the box to provide storage spaces therebeneath for articles that are not required as often as the articles carried in the trays. However, when it is desired to gain access to the articles in the storage space, it is only necessary to extend the trays up and over the sides of the case. The contents of the trays are also readily accessible when the trays are in their extended or inextended positions.

The present invention contemplates, in addition to other important features, the provision of simple and eflicient means for connecting the trays to the cases so that they may be easily moved to their extended positions.

The carrying case illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, comprises a box portion A and a cover portion B. The box portion A is constructed of sheet metal and the sides 1 and bottom 2 thereof are formed from a single sheet metal blank. Each end 3 of the box fits the space between the sides 1 and flanges 4 and 5, formed at the ends of the sides and bottom respectively, are so bent to overlap the end 3 and are rigidly secured thereto by welding, or in any other suitable manner, to securely hold the end in position. The upper edges of the sides 1 and ends 3 are inwardly offset to provide vertical flanges 6 and 7 respectively which, with the body portions of the sides and ends, form suitable shoulders 8 and 9 respectively againstwhich the cover B seats when it is closed so that the outer surfaces of the sides 10 and ends 11 thereof will be flush with the outer surfaces of the corresponding sides and ends of the box portion A. I

The cover portion B is preferably formed of a single piece of metal, but it may be formed in any suitable manner. The cover, as shown in Fig. 1, is of less height than the box portion, although it may be of any desired height, but is preferably so constructed that the sides 10 and ends 11 thereof overlap the flanges 6 and 7 of the corresponding sides and ends of the box portion to render the case substantially Watertight. The edges of the flanges 6 and 7 and the edges of the sides and ends are preferably bent back upon themselves to provide smooth surfaces.

A suitable handle 12 is attached to the top of the cover so that the case can be easily carried, and suitable securing clasps 13 and a lock 14 are provided to interconnect the cover and box to hold the cover in closed position while the case is being carried.

Although the case shown in Figs. 1 to 7 is provided with a single tray C, it is to be understood that the same may be provided with two trays extendible in opposite directions in amanner such as that to be hereinafter described with reference to a tote box of the type commonly used by carpenters.

The tray C is formed in any suitable man ner with sides 15, ends 16 and a bottom 11'. The tray C in its normal position is supported by ledges 18 formed of sheet metal. Each ledge 18 is substantially U-shaped and is provided with a depending flange 19 at its iowe: leg. These ledges are secured to the ends 3 by welding the flanges 19 to the inner surfaces of the ends in such a manner that the ledges present toward the ends 3 and the upper legs thereof extend transversely across the box and abut against the lower surfaces of the shoulders formed by the formation of the offset end flanges 7 It can thus be seen that when the tray is supported in its normal position above the bottom of the box A, it is nested within the oifset flanges 6 and I 7 heretofore described and only partially extends above the edges of these flanges.

If desired, however, the supporting ledges 18 may be formed in the manner shown in Fig. 7 wherein the depending flanges 20 are formed at the edges of the upper legs thereof. It is to be understood, however, that the ledges may be formed with flan 'es on both legs, and that they may be formed in another suitable manner.

The tray is connected in a novel manner to the box by means of a pair of spaced longitudinal rods 21 that are hingedly connected to the bottom surface thereof by suitable sheet metal straps 22 securely welded to the bottom of the tray at opposite sides of the longitudi nally extending rods 21, as shown in Fig. 3.

The ends of the rods 21 are bent at right angles to form links 23 and are then again bent outwardly perpendicular to the links 23 to form short pivot portions or trunnions 24.

The rods 21 are of such a length that they terminate inwardly of the ends of the tray, but with the trunnions 2 1 terminating in planes substantially adjacent the ends of the tray, as shown in Fig. 5.

The ends of each rod are formed in identically the same manner and are in absolute alignment,that is, with the trunnions 24 in coaxial alignment. The links 23 furthermore are bent to a dog-leg shape or substantially 90 angle for reasons that will be apparent.

A pair of horizontally aligned openings are formed in the vertical wall of each supporting ledge and are spaced the same distance apart as the longitudinal rods 21 to receive the pivot trunnions 24. The trunnions 24 are inserted in the openings by springing the links 23 inwardly toward each other. It is, therefore, obvious that when the case is as sembled, the tray is supported at four points, and since the axes of the rods 21 and the trunnions 24 form the points of a parallelelogram, the tray can easily be swung about the trunnions as axes.

As before described, and as shown in Fig. 6, the links are of dog-leg shape and have their lower portions 25 intersecting their upper portions 26 at points which, when the tray is in its extended position, are substantially equal to the distance from the plane of the ledge openings to the edge of the end flange 7.

In non-extended posltion, the tray rests within the offset flanges 6 and 7 on the ledges l8, and when it is desired to gain access to the compartmentbeneath the tray, the tray is grasped at the side nearest the forward side'of the box portion, and moved up and over the side flange 7. In this position, the tray is very rigidly supported in its extend ed position by the links 23 of the forward rod 21 which, because of their dog-leg shape, permit the upper portions 26 thereof to seat on the flange 7. The upper portions 26 of the links of both rods 21 also, when the tray is extended, substantially extend parallel with the bottom of the tray and engage the same.

Referring to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, a different type of case, embodying the present invention, is illustrated. In this case, the box portion is provided with two trays D'and E which are extendible in opposite directions over the side walls thereof, and is provided with two'half cover portions F and G, each of which is secured to a side wall by hinges and is adapted to overlap each other near the center of the case.

The box portion of this case is formed in substantially the same manner as the box previously described, and the trays are also formed in the same manner as the trayC and are also connected to'the box in the same manner. Hence, the same numeral employed in the description of the box, tray and connecting means shown herein, will be used for clearness of description and illustration.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the ends of the box portion are extended above the sides to provide peaked members 31 which close in the ends of the box when the covers F and G are closed. A suitable handle 32 is attached to one of the cover portions so that the case can be easily transported.

It can be seen from the drawings that one or both of the trays can be easily moved to an extended position, and that when they are in non-extended position, they substantially abut each other and cover the compartment in'the bottom of the case.

It is to be noted that the trays D and E are supported in the same manner as the tray C which has previously been described.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 14, inclusive, the invention shown contemplates a sheet metal tote box which may be advantageously employed as a tool kit for carpenters and other artisans but which may obviously be employed for many other purposes. The tote box has trays which when in closed position are spaced from the bottom of the box and form a closure therefor. These trays prefen ably have hinged covers provided with a common fastening means whereby protection and privacy as to the contents of the trays and of the space beneath may be had. The trays may be independently mowed into outwardly extending posititon to expose and make available the storage space beneath the trays, and the contents of either tray may be made available by merely opening the respective covers, either in an extended or nonextended position. A handle extending between the end walls is provided whereby the box may be readily transported or moved I regardless of whether the trays are in closed or outwardly extending position.

The tote box has a bottom 41, side walls 42 and end walls 43. The bottom 41 and side walls 42 may, if desired, be integrally formed I from a single piece of sheet metal. The side walls 42 are shown as turned over inwardly at 44 adjacent the top edges thereof to form smooth upper edges and to stiffen the side walls. I

The end walls 43 which are prefera :ly peak-shaped and extending well above the side walls 42 are each provided with an inwardly extending peripheral flange compri ing a lower flange portion 45 and a narrower upper flange portion 46. The side walls 42 and integral bottom 41 are secured to the end walls 43 in any suitable manner, such as by spotwelding, riveting or otherwise fastening the flange portions 45 of the end walls thereto.

A handle extending longitudinally of the box well above the trays H and I is provided to connect the end walls 43 adJacent the peaks thereof. As clearly shown in the drawings,

the handle 47 may be formed from sheet in any suitable manner, such as by providing bolt 49 that extends longitudinally from one end wall to the other and is secured to the end walls. The bolt 49 may be disposed within the rolled portion of the handle 4? as shown, or if desired, in close proximity thereto.

The extendible trays are each substantially half the width of the box and are spaced from the bottom of the box to form, when they are in abutting non-extended pcsit'on, a partial or complete closure for the box, these trays being movable over the side walls 42 to expose the interior of the box. p

T he trays are preferably formed of sheet metal and are provided with integral side and bottom walls 50 and 51, respectively, with end walls Each of the trays may. if desired, be divided into a plurality of compartments for keeping different articles, such as tools, separated.

Each tray is provided with a cover at hinged to the open edge of the outer side wall 50. The cover 54 for each tray is preferably formed with depending flanges 56 overlying the inner side walls 50 and ends 5:? of the tray, respectively. As shown in Figs. 12 and 14:, the trays are provided with a single fastening means for holding the covers in closed position and also for holding the trays in non-extended position. This means comprises a hasp 57 secured to the cover 5% of one of the trays which is adapted to cooperate with a staple 58 secured to the cover of the other-tray. It is obvious that when the hasp and staple are provided with a padlock or any other locking means, the covers 54 are held against any opening movement, and the trays are likewise held against any extending movement. Any other type of fastening means, such as the type used suitcases and the like, may be employed if the hasp and staple type shown is not desirable.

Pivoted handles or pulls 59 are secured to the outer sides 50 of the trays so that they can he moved outwardly over the side walls of the box.

The trays are, as before stated, supported somewhat above the bottom of the box so that an article receiving chamber is provided within the box. The supports 60 for the trays are preferably of the same construction as the ledges 1.8 illustrated in the first described case and are securely attached to the ends of the tote box below the edges of the sides thereof so that the trays when in nonextended position only partially extend above the horizontal plane of the edges 44;.

The trays H and I are also hingedly connected to the box by rods 61 of the same type illustrated in the'previously described carrying cases, and need not further be described.

In non-extended positions the trays repose on and are entirely supported by the shelves formed by the supports 60 and have their outer side walls 50 positioned inwardly of the box side walls 42, and also have their inner walls 50 substantially abutting against each other, so that in this position the trays substantially completely cover the compartment provided by the bottom, side and end walls of the box. The rod or member 47 with which the box can be easily carried, is spaced a sufiicient distance above the trays so that the covers 54 thereof can be swung to an open position, as indicated in Fig.13.

When it is desired to gain access to the compartment beneath the trays, either one or both pulls 59 thereof are grasped and pulled outwardly away from the box which swings the tray or trays upwardly from the supports 60 and over the box side wall or walls 42 until the depending rod links engage the upper marginal edge 44 of the side wall or walls 42. It is thus seen that the trays are supported above the side walls 42 of the box by the engagement of the rod links with the side wall edges 44.

It is obvious that one of the trays may be extended to expose a portion of the contents of the box, or that both trays may be extended in the manner just described to expose all the contents of the box. It is further obvious that when the trays are extended, the covers 54 may be opened so that ready access can be had to the contents of the box and of both trays.

In certain cases, the tray covers may be omitted and, of course, many forms of covers other than shown may be employed. Thus, tray covers having no hinges mi ht be employed, or the covers may be hinge ly secured to the'trays in any desired manner. F urthermore, one cover might be utilized for both trays, and suitable fastening, means employed. Or, one tray cover may overlie the other and the longitudinal space between said trays.

While I have shown two trays of substantially equal size, it will be obvious that such trays may vary one from the other as to size and proportion. Furthermore, in some cases I may prefer to employ only one tray of any desired size. Also I may desire to provide more than one tray on each side of the box, as by the use of superposed trays, which superposed trays might be connected by suitable linkage or in any other suitable manner.

It will be noted that I have shown the end walls as rising vertically to a point higher than the tops of the trays. This feature is advantageous in that when the trays are in closed position, the linkage or other connecting means is substantially protected from accidental damage or tampering. My invention, however, is not limited to the particular shape of end walls shown in the drawings.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a tote box of light, convenient, compact, economical and rigid structure.

It will further be seen that my improved tote box may be readily carried about when the trays are in extended position with the entire contents of the box exposed and available.

It will be noted that in the tote box disclosed herein, all portions of the box are readily accessible, and yet said box may be quickly closed and locked to protect the contents thereof.

It will also be seen that I have provided a tote box having movable trays arranged to carry articles, which trays serve also as a closure for the storage space therebeneath, and also that the tote box will remain in closed position without danger of openin accidentally and spilling the contents thereo Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, an improved type of'compartment is shown, a number of which can be employed in any of the trays previously described, to form adjustable compartments- These compartment members are stamped from a suitable substantially U-shape from a single sheet of metal to provide a bottom 0 and sides 71. These compartment members are positioned in the tray with their sides facing the ends of the tray, the corners of the sides being formed with notches 72 to receive the bent-back edges of the tray sides. The compartment members are of such width that the side edges thereof are substantially gripped by the sides of the tray.

The members are thus held in any desired position and it is obvious that by employing a number of such compartment members, the spaces between adjacent members can be easily adjusted by sliding the members relative to the tray, so that an adjustable compartment is provided.

It is to be noted in the different carrying cases described, that the trays are hingedly connected thereto by simple and efiicient means which can be easily and economically constructed and which can be easily assembled.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the particular forms of apparatus shown and described, and the particular procedure set forth, are presented for purposes of explanation and illustration and that various modifications of said apparatus and procedure can be made without departing from my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a carrying case, a box having side walls and end walls, supporting ledges secured to said end walls, a movable tray normally seated on said ledges above the bottom of said box and being extendible to a horizontal position over one of said side walls to uncover said box, and a pair of spaced longitudinal rods hinged to said tray and having depending portions at their ends hinged to said end walls well below the horizontal plane of the upper edges of said side walls, portions of said depending portions of one of said rods, when said tray is in extended position, being engageable with the bottom of said tray to rigidly support the said tray in its extended position.

2. In a sheet metal carrying case, a box having side walls and end walls, supporting ledges secured to said end walls, a movable tray normally seated on said ledges above the bottom of said box and being extendible to a horizontal position over one of said side walls to uncover said box, and a pair of spaced longitudinal rods hinged to said tray and having integral depending links provided with outwardly extending legs, said legs being hingedly supported by said end walls well below the horizontal plane of said upper side wall edges at points spaced the same distance apart as said rods, portions of said legs of one of said rods being engageable with the bottom of said tray to rigidly support said tray in its extended horizontal position.

3. In a sheet metal carrying case, a box having side walls and end walls, supporting ledges secured to said end walls, a movable sheet metal tray normally seated on said ledges above the bottom of said box and being extendible to a horizontal position over one of said side walls to uncover said box, and a pair of spaced longitudinal rods hinged to said tray and having integral links perpendicular thereto at their ends, and outwardly extending legs perpendicular to said links hinged to said end walls, thereby providing means for swinging said tray from normal position to an extended position over one-of said side walls, the links of the rod nearest said side wall being engageable with the edge of said side wall to support said tray in said extended position, and. portions of the said links being engageable with the bottom of said tray to rigidly support and hold said tray against distortion.

4. In a sheet metal carrying case, a box having side and end walls provided with inwardly offset flanges, supporting ledges extending horizontally across and secured to said end walls substantially below said offset flanges, a tray normally seated on said ledges between said ledges and being extendible to a horizontal position over one of said side walls, and a pair of spaced longitudinal rods hinged to the lower surface of said tray and terminating in perpendicular links having outturned legs at their ends pivotally extending through said ledges at points spaced the same distance apart as said rods, whereby said tray may be swung to an extended position over one of said side walls, portions of one of said links being engageable with the bottom of said trayjand other portions of said links being engageable with the edge of said side wall to support said tray in extended position.

5. In a sheet metal carrying case, a box having interconnected end walls and side walls of lesser height than said end walls, supporting ledges secured to said end walls substantially below the plane of the upper marginal edges of said side walls, a sheet metal tray normally seated on said ledges to cover said box and being extendible over one of said side walls to uncover said box, and a pair of spaced longitudinal rods hinged to the lower surface of said tray and terminating at their ends in angularly bent, depending, perpendicular links having outturned legs at their ends, said legs being hingedly supported by said end walls below the horizontal plane of said side wall edges at points spaced the same distance as said rods, whereby said tray may be swung to anvextended position over one of said side walls, portions of said angular-1y bent links of one of said rods being engage able with the bottom of said box and other portions thereof being cngageable with the edge of said side wall. to support said tray in rigid extended horizontal position.

6. In a carrying case, the combination with interconnected end walls, side walls of lesser height than said end walls, and a sheet metal tray extendible over one of said side walls, said tray being adapted to cover said box in unextended position, of means for supporting said tray in unextended position comprising ledges secured to and extending horizontally across said end walls below the upper edges of said side walls, and means for swinging said tray to extended position over a side wall of said box comprising a pair of longitudinal rods hinged to the lower surface of the tray and terminating at their ends adjacent the ends of the tray in depending links having outturned legs, said legs being pivotally extended through said ledge at horizontally aligned points spaced the same distance apart as said rods, portions of the depending links of one of said rods being en ageable with the bottom of said tray and other portions thereof being engageable with the side wall over which said tray is moved to extended position to rigidly support the tray in said extended position.

7. In a carrying case, the combination with a box having side and end walls, of a pair of horizontally aligned sheet metal trays, supporting ledges secured to said end walls below the upper edges of said side walls for normally supporting said trays above the bottom of said box, means for swinging one of said trays up and over one of said side walls, and means for swinging the other of said trays up and over the other of said side walls, each of said means comprising a pair of longitudinal rods hinged to the lower surface of the tray and terminating at their ends adjacent the ends of the tray in depending links having outturned legs, said legs being pivotally extended through said ledge at horizontally aligned points spaced the same distance apartas said rods, portions of the depending links of one of said rods for each tray being engageable with the bottom of the tray and other portions thereof being engageable with the side wall over which said tray is moved toextended position to rigidly support the tray in said extended position.

8. In a sheet metal carrying case, a box having side and end walls, a sheet metal tray normally covering said box and being extendible to a horidontal position over one of said side walls to uncover said box and means hinged to said tray and to said end walls for swinging said tray over the said side wall, said means comprising a pair of spaced rods, one being hinged to the bottom of said tray in a longitudinal direction near the center thereof, and the other being hinged to the bottom of said tray near a side edge thereof, said rods being shorter in length than the bottom of said tray and each havin legs at its HOWARD L. KENNEDY.

.GATE Q" CGRREQ ,1 EQN.

January 1%, i933.

aiemi N0. 1,893,747.

EGWARD L. YENNEDY.

It is hereby certifiei .123; numbered {)ktfii'i reqaizing (ZGTT-SQUGH as fsi'i wrd "rigiifi and afte; ad; mien e shim out {he WQIdS t maid be read with ti'asse cm- 3 Miami spes ficaiisn 9f the 0W8: 5, 1m 112, claim ward "lwrimntal"; page =5. 35*. "hmizmita"; and thai the sai Let us intent s rectimzs therein hat the same may csnfm'm to the recerd 0f the case 111 the Eareni @fiice.

Signed (mil Sillfid this 28%; day 0% February, A. D. 19 33. 

